The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Edward E. Wielonski (ASN: 32073105), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Engineer Combat Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 2 March 1945. During an attack against a strong enemy-held building, Sergeant Wielonski, a member of an engineer battalion, voluntarily climbed to the roof of the building, exposing himself to intense enemy fire, in order to remove a mortar dud that was hanging from the roof and endangering our troops below. Although a group of enemy soldiers were still on the roof, and directed intense rifle fire at him, Sergeant Wielonski successfully accomplished his mission and contributed greatly toward the success of the operation. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.